The Tale of Kitty in Boots by Beatrix Potter – a Review

Beatrix Potter is remembered fondly by many adults as the author of wonderfully written and illustrated books for children including The Tale of Peter Rabbit, The Tale of Jemima Puddleduck and The Tale of Mr Tod.

It is a little-known fact that Beatrix was a gifted scientific illustrator and amateur naturalist and had she been male may have been one of the greatest biological scientists of the Victorian era (the sexism and misogyny of that time being more repressive than it is now) the Linnean Society rejected her membership as women were not allowed to join or present papers (they issued a posthumous apology in 1997).

One of the things that is often forgotten is that she often includes the violence of nature in her stories, even though they are dressed as humans the animals are often red in tooth and claw. The violence is not just physical, there is often a ton of emotional upset that makes the books so readable! If you cannot remember – then take the time to reread her works – they are really phenomenal!

This ‘lost’ story was never published in Beatrix Potter’s lifetime and was resurrected in time for the 150th anniversary of the author’s birth, this is the first time an illustrated edition has been published. the artwork is by the incomparable Quentin Blake.

The Tale of Kitty in Boots is no exception, I felt during reading and after that if it is ever adapted into a film it should be shot in a Guy Ritchie Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels style.

It is an excellent story involving identity swapping, poaching and a significant amount of violence that will appeal to children of all ages!

The illustrations by Sir Quentin Blake who is possibly the greatest living illustrator make a wonderful accompaniment to the text.

So if you are looking for a gift for a young reader or something excellent to read, reread and just to brighten up your shelves then The Tale of Kitty in Boots is for you! Buy it now!